When José Iglesias received a call inviting him to join the acclaimed Buena Vista Social Club on Broadway, the seasoned major league infielder initially dismissed it as a prank. "They were like, ‘José, we think you’re going to be a great fit for this show, for this musical,’" Iglesias recounted to Billboard, still processing the surreal reality of his debut on the Great White Way. "And I was like, ‘Who are you talking to?’ They were like, ‘You.’” This disbelief quickly transformed into a profound sense of destiny as Iglesias, also known as Candelita, stepped into the spotlight on August 27th, etching his name in history as the first Latin Major League Baseball player to grace the Broadway stage.
His Broadway debut sees Iglesias taking on the role of the Narrator in the Tony and Grammy-winning musical, a production celebrating the legendary legacy of Cuban music. Beyond his narration duties, Iglesias also joins the ensemble for the iconic Cuban classic "El Cuarto de Tula" at the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre. This is a significant departure from previous instances of athletes appearing on stage; unlike figures such as Ty Cobb (1911), Babe Ruth (1920s), or Jackie Robinson (1952), who appeared as themselves, Iglesias is fully integrated into the production as a musical theater performer.
Iglesias’s journey to Broadway is as remarkable as his 13-season career in Major League Baseball, where he played for esteemed franchises including the Boston Red Sox, Detroit Tigers, Cincinnati Reds, Baltimore Orioles, Los Angeles Angels, Colorado Rockies, San Diego Padres, and New York Mets. However, this transition is far more than a simple sports-to-stage crossover. His connection to the music runs deep, stemming from his upbringing in Cuba. "Every street in Cuba, my grandma and everybody was playing Compay Segundo, Omara Portuondo, Ibrahim Ferrer – icons of Cuban music," Iglesias recalled. "They were on every radio." These formative experiences laid the groundwork for a lifelong appreciation of the rich cultural heritage that Buena Vista Social Club so vibrantly represents.
A Unlikely Path to the Spotlight
The path to Broadway for José Iglesias was anything but conventional. His singular focus for much of his young life was baseball. "I’ve been a baseball player since I was 7 years old," he stated. "That’s the only thing I’d done until I got to record music and got involved in the art world." His determination to pursue his athletic dream led him to leave Cuba at the age of 17. "I escaped from the Cuban national team in Canada, solo, and came to this country with a short and a T-shirt and a dream to become a big league player," he explained. "That was literally the only dream I had."
His arrival in the United States was marked by a quest for political asylum, a pivotal moment that set in motion a series of extraordinary events. Within two years, the Boston Red Sox offered him his first professional baseball contract, launching a distinguished 15-year career in the major leagues. His final active season in MLB was in 2024 with the New York Mets, a year that became particularly memorable due to the unexpected success of his single "OMG."
"OMG": A Mets Anthem and a Billboard Hit
The 2024 season proved to be a watershed moment for Iglesias both on and off the baseball field. His song "OMG" unexpectedly became an anthem for the New York Mets, resonating deeply with fans and the team itself. The track’s popularity surged, eventually topping Billboard‘s Latin Digital Song Sales chart. "I made a song, and the song connected," Iglesias reflected. "It was our lucky charm as a team, como un amuleto de la buena suerte. Every time we played that song, good things happened." The song’s widespread appeal created a palpable connection within the city, fostering a unique synergy between baseball games and the uplifting energy of his music. "In 2024, it connected and vibrated through the whole city. Everybody would go to Citi Field, sing and watch a good baseball game. It’s a beautiful bridge to get to people, to deliver a message."
The success of "OMG" marked a significant turning point for Iglesias, expanding his horizons and demonstrating the potent impact of his musical endeavors. It proved that his artistic expression could reach and resonate with a broad audience, planting seeds for future creative explorations beyond the baseball diamond. This unexpected success offered a glimpse into the potential of his alter ego, Candelita, and broadened his own belief in what was achievable.
The Buena Vista Social Club Phenomenon
The Buena Vista Social Club phenomenon began with the recording of a seminal album in 1996, a project spearheaded by American guitarist Ry Cooder and Cuban musician Juan de Marcos González. The album brought together a group of veteran Cuban musicians, many of whom had been largely inactive for years, and revitalized their careers on a global scale. Musicians like Compay Segundo, Omara Portuondo, Ibrahim Ferrer, Rubén González, and Eliades Ochoa, all legends in their own right, were part of this ensemble. Their music, a rich tapestry of Cuban Son, bolero, and danzón, captivated audiences worldwide, earning critical acclaim, including a Grammy Award for Best Traditional Tropical Latin Album. The subsequent 1999 documentary film, directed by Wim Wenders, further cemented their iconic status, offering a poignant and intimate portrait of the artists and their enduring musical legacy.
The Broadway production of Buena Vista Social Club is a theatrical celebration of this musical movement, bringing the vibrant spirit and timeless melodies to a live stage. The show not only revisits the stories of the original musicians but also seeks to embody the soul of Cuban music itself.
A Privilege and a Beautiful Responsibility
For Iglesias, stepping into the world of Buena Vista Social Club on Broadway is more than just a career change; it’s a profound cultural affirmation. "It’s an amazing responsibility," he stated. "Siendo cubano, representando a Buena Vista Social Club en Broadway, y de la manera que la producción ha puesto este gran musical. Es único." He elaborated, "As Cubans, we’re not only representing Buena Vista – we’re representing millions of Cubans. We’re representing a history that is unique, literally. Not just what they did, but how they did it." He specifically referenced Juan de Marcos González’s pivotal role in bringing these artists together, recalling the anecdote of finding Compay Segundo selling cigars before uniting the legendary ensemble.
The weight of this cultural representation is not lost on him. "With Buena Vista Social Club, la historia is not just history, but the way it went down was special," Iglesias emphasized. "They are that unique band that traveled around the world. Like Benny [Moreno], like Celia [Cruz], it’s a privilege and a beautiful responsibility to have Cuban music on our shoulders on a stage like Broadway." This sentiment underscores the deep personal connection he feels to the music and its cultural significance.
The Uniqueness of the Broadway Stage
While Iglesias has experienced the roar of the crowd in packed baseball stadiums, the energy of a Broadway theater offers a distinct and captivating experience. "It’s special. It’s a different energy. It’s completely different than a baseball field," he observed. "It’s very fun, I’m not going to lie. Every night is such a unique, magical experience." He noted the subtle shifts in audience engagement, stating, "You can notice the difference depending on the audience, too. Sometimes it’s more of a dancing-type theater; some nights it’s more of a listening theater. It depends on the people – and how many drinks [they’ve had]." This adaptability and responsiveness to the audience contribute to the dynamic nature of live performance.
A Historic Milestone and a Humble Perspective
The magnitude of his achievement as the first MLB player to perform as a narrator and musical artist on Broadway is something Iglesias is still processing. "It still hasn’t yet," he admitted. "When that phone rang, I thought it was like a joke." He expressed profound gratitude for the opportunity, recognizing the caliber of the performers he is now sharing the stage with. "Those human beings who are representing Buena Vista Social Club onstage, they’re special. They work so hard to put this musical in the position that it is in tonight."
Iglesias views his role as a significant responsibility, one he embraces with enthusiasm. "I have a big responsibility – a good responsibility, and a fun one, too – to continue to have Cuban music on my shoulder every night on a stage like Broadway," he said. "It’s more than a dream come true. I never dreamed about being an actor or performing on Broadway or any of that. And then, look, here I am. Life takes me this way, and I’m extremely happy and very humble about this great opportunity." His journey from escaping Cuba to seeking asylum, to becoming a major league baseball star, and now a Broadway performer, represents a remarkable arc of resilience and ambition.
The Future of Candelita: A Fusion of Roots and Modernity
Looking ahead, Iglesias, as Candelita, is keen to explore the intersection of his Cuban heritage and his contemporary musical style. His current music is described as Latin urban-pop, and the experience of working with the Buena Vista Social Club musicians has inspired new creative avenues. "Coming here to Buena Vista, I get to know the musicians and understand music a little more," he shared. "We were chatting, and they were like, ‘Have you thought about doing something with a Cuban vibe – more modern, newer, your style?’"
This collaborative spirit has sparked ideas for future projects. "My music is more Latin urban-pop," he stated. "Me gustó mucho esa idea. Creo que va a pasar algo mágico. Sería unir estos grandes músicos de la música cubana – cada uno tiene una biografía impresionante – y, a lo mejor, hacer mi próximo sencillo basado en raíces cubanas con una sonoridad actualizada." He anticipates a unique and organic creative process, stating, "I don’t know where it’s going to go. I don’t know what it’s going to sound like, but it’s going to be fun. It’s going to be real because it came out of nowhere. Just a bunch of guys having fun and connecting, and then we’ll see what comes out. But I’m pretty sure it will be special."
This venture signifies a potential fusion of traditional Cuban sounds with modern production, offering a fresh perspective on a beloved musical genre. It represents a natural evolution for Iglesias, bridging his past and present through the universal language of music. The synergy between the veteran musicians of Buena Vista Social Club and Iglesias’s contemporary artistic vision holds the promise of creating something truly innovative and resonant, further solidifying his multifaceted artistic identity. His journey continues to be a testament to the power of pursuing passions, embracing unexpected opportunities, and celebrating cultural heritage.
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